NRL announces preliminary finals schedule amid grand final concerns
Zero Tackle NRL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 9:25 PM
Last updated Sep 16, 2026

The NRL has confirmed the schedule for the upcoming preliminary finals across both the NRL and NRLW competitions, taking place on September 26 and September 27. Concerns have emerged regarding an unfair advantage for the grand final, as the men's competition's qualifiers will again be played over two different days. This year, the Penrith Panthers will play one preliminary final on September 28, while the outcome of the second will depend on the winner of the semi-final between the New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights. The grand final is set for October 4 at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
- •NRL preliminary finals scheduled for September 26 and 27.
- •Penrith Panthers face a preliminary final on September 28.
- •Grand final takes place on October 4 at Accor Stadium, Sydney.
- •Concerns over uneven preparation for teams leading to the grand final.
- 9:25 PMZero Tackle NRL — NRL confirm preliminary finals schedule, create grand final unfair advantage concern
"The 2026 grand final qualifiers are locked in.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NRL•Sep 16, 2026, 10:39 PMRaiders forward makes contract call ahead of NRL debut push
NRL•Sep 16, 2026, 10:20 PMAnd then there were six: Why each team can, and can’t, win the premiership
NRL•Sep 16, 2026, 10:09 PMWarriors star chasing shock departure at end of 2026
NRL•Sep 16, 2026, 9:42 PMYoung gun Sharks make contract case in shock win as PNG cult hero pushes for World Cup
NRL•Sep 16, 2026, 9:00 PMFive scrambled names stand between you and victory- NRL•Sep 16, 2026, 6:55 PMEngland's Hardcastle announces international retirement
